Why Hindu Women Fast for Their Husband
Different Festivals, Similar Meanings
Vat Savitri Vrat
- May - Jun
- Northern & Western India
- Married women tie a thread around a banyan tree
Vara Mahalakshmi
- Jul - Aug
- Southern India
- In celebration of Laxmi and her 8 forms of wealth
Teej
- Aug - Sept
- 3 days long
- Popular in Nepal
- In celebration of Shiva & Parvati
Karwa Chauth
- Oct - Nov
- Popular across north India
- Cannot eat or drink until the full moon appears
While the origins behind these various festivals differ, they are all rooted in something common: Community
These festivals create opportunities for women to gather, connect, pray, dance, rejoice... and perhaps, most importantly, count their blessings.
With the changing times, many couples fast together or consider it a fast for the well-being of their loved ones, not just their spouse.
Once upon a time...
There was a princess named Savitri. She was so insanely beautiful that all the men in the kingdom were too intimidated to even ask her to marry them.
Savitri left town in pursuit of a suitor and found her perfect match in Satyavan, who was the poor son of a blind King, forced into exile.
The couple's horoscopes revealed that Satyavan was destined to die exactly within a year of their marriage. Savitri insisted on marrying him nevertheless.
As D-day approached, Savitri decided to keep a close eye on her husband and accompanied him to work. Satyavan was chopping wood like he normally did at work, when he suddenly felt really weak and tired.
Just as he lay down to rest his head, beneath a banyan tree, a dark figure appeared before the couple.
It was Yama, the God of Death, who had come to carry away Satyavan's soul.
Turns out, Savitri was both beauty and brains because what she said next convinced Yama to spare her husband's life.
Savitri decided to walk alongside Yama, as he carried Satyavan away, in hopes of changing the course of destiny. As they were talking, he became so impressed by her wit and charm, that he decided to grant her three wishes -- with the exception of saving Satyavan's life.
In her first wish, she asked for her Father-in-law's eyesight to be regained.
In her second wish, she asked for her Father-in-Law's kingdom to be regained.
In her third and final wish, she asked to have kids -- lots of them.
Yama agreed without hesitation until...
...Savitri pointed out it would be impossible to have children without her husband.
Being a man of his words, Yama had no choice but to spare Satyavan's life so that he could give Savitri children... lots of them.
Enjoyed this article?
Follow us on Instagram to read our weekly Theology Thursday posts!
Modi Toys is a children's brand of toys and books inspired by ancient Hindu culture. We exist to spread joy and to spark curiosity in the next generation through our innovative soft plush toys, illustrated children's books and free learning resources. Our weekly Theology Thursday series covers a wide range of topics rooted in Hinduism to help us better understand the origins of traditions, the symbolic meaning of rituals, and the stories behind Hindu holidays and festivals. The more we can understand "the why" behind this 4,000 year ancient religion, and make sense of it in this modern age, the greater we can appreciate and preserve our rich Hindu culture. While we take great care in thoroughly researching the information presented, we may occasionally get some things wrong. We encourage a healthy and open dialogue so we can learn together. Please leave a comment below or email us directly at support@moditoys.com to address any concerns.
